Outdoor Adventures for Indoorsy People

Do you like the idea of the outdoors more than the actual outdoors? Do you like seeing pretty waterfalls, green foliage, and blue skies, but still want a comfortable place to sleep at night? Are you a fan of modern plumbing and electricity? If yes, then you’re probably an indoorsy person.

There’s nothing wrong with liking your creature comforts, while still enjoying fresh air, exercise, and gorgeous views. After all, there’s more than one way to experience nature. You don’t have to backwoods camp, nor do you have to stay at a high-end resort to have the most authentic or comfortable experience.

The Glamp Life

Glamping (Glamourous + Camping) is great for those who like the idea of camping, but don’t actually want to set up and sleep in a tent. Sleep in a luxury tent, yurt, or tiny house with a real bed, electric heat, and sometimes with private bathrooms with flush toilets and a shower!

You can go glamping in Canada and enjoy nature in your own backyard, or try it in Europe. You can go on hikes, canoe, go to the beach, then get a good night’s rest in a comfortable bed.

A Little Bit Country

Another way to enjoy nature when you’re a city person is to find a destination that’s wilderness adjacent. Book your accommodations in town, then walk, drive, or cycle to the nearest park, forest, or nature reserve. This way you can do the whole outdoorsy thing for the day, then go back to your hotel to shower, then head out to dinner at a local restaurant. If you really want to be extra outdoorsy, you can sit on the restaurant’s patio.

If it’s small town charm you’re after, book a bed and breakfast instead of a traditional hotel or motel. Many of these are in small, rural towns with lots of character. B & Bs are also good if you want to make sure you get out and do stuff during the day, as they’re usually not set up for hanging out inside. Enjoy a good night’s sleep in a cozy room, and a hot breakfast in the morning before you set out.

Many small towns are close to wilderness. Quite often the hosts will have maps and pamphlets of places to go – including local hiking trails, picnic spots, beaches, mountains, rivers, and more. You can also enjoy a walk through the town – where you can shop in local stores and eat at mom and pop restaurants.

Cottage Culture

For Canadians, the ultimate summer vacation is a week at a lakefront cottage, or oceanside cabin. If your family doesn’t own a recreational property, there are plenty available for rent. These rentals range from rustic to regal – so you can decide how much roughing it you’re willing to do if it’s within your budget.

You can swim, boat, hike, or just lounge if you want. If reading a book on the deck is as outdoorsy as you get – go for it! It’s nice to get some sun and fresh air (just remember to reapply that sunscreen). You can also build a campfire at night and roast marshmallows and make s’mores. You might get a few mosquito bites – but you won’t have to sleep on the ground.

Day Trippin’

Whether you live a few hours away from nature, or are staying somewhere that is, you don’t have to spend the night to enjoy the great outdoors. Plan a day trip – whether it’s a hike, bike ride, ski trip, or canoe adventure. Maybe you want to bring your camera and capture some photos, or a sketch pad or canvas.

Even if you feel a little out of your element, it can be a nice break to get away from the city – even if just for a few hours. After you’ve reached your fresh air quota, you can go home, snuggle in a blanket and binge-watch a TV show.

Urban Jungle

Going outdoors doesn’t have to mean going to the country, it can mean walking somewhere instead of driving, or sitting in the park during your lunch hour instead of at your desk. You could also go for a run through your neighbourhood, or ice skate at an outdoor rink. There are so many possibilities!

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